The Andrews Labor Government is helping a Castlemaine-based rail manufacturer create jobs, boost productivity and invest in new equipment.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll joined Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards on a tour of Vossloh Cogifer Australia today to announce a $175,000 grant from the Future Industry Manufacturing Program which will enable the company to acquire a Computer Numerical Control operated rail milling machine.
The new machine will more than halve the time it takes the company to create components for rail networks, specifically long rails and switchblades for turnouts, and will nearly double the company’s productivity.
10 new jobs will be created thanks to the Labor Government’s investment, including jobs for engineers, machine operators and support officers – in a boost for regional Victoria.
The investment will enable the company to establish itself as the only turnout manufacturer in Victoria, and one of only two operating on Australia’s East Coast.
Vossloh Cogifer, a subsidiary of Vossloh (AG) Germany, is a leading global rail technology company specialising in manufacturing and supplying producers for rail infrastructure.
The company and its predecessors have supplied special trackwork to a number of Australian companies, including V/Line and Melbourne Metro, for more than 130 years.
The future industry program forms part of the Labor Government’s support for manufacturing, including $120 million in funding, creating over 5,000 jobs and driving more than $1.4 billion in private investment.
Thanks to the Labor Government’s support, manufacturing in Victoria continues to grow with the Australian Industry Group’s Manufacturing Index showing 15 months of consecutive growth – the longest run since 2001.
The manufacturing sectors employs almost a quarter of Mount Alexander’s total workforce, contributing more than $864 million to the region’s economy each year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“Victorian manufacturing has a bright future and it’s forward thinking regional companies like Vossloh Cogifer that are investing in new technology and looking for ways to boost their efficiency.”
“We’ll always back regional manufacturers so that they can grow, innovate and create jobs for Victorians.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“It’s local companies like Vossloh Cogifer who are leading the way in the manufacturing industry, creating jobs for locals and boosting the region’s economy.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020